A Brief Respite

The lingering shadows in the darkness were growing fewer and fewer.

Sensing this, Reilo finally relaxed his battle stance.

As the area illuminated by the refracted sunlight a thousand meters overhead gradually shrank, the hundred-meter-wide crimson Eye of the Sun faded along with it, until it disappeared completely.

At the summit of the High Tower.

Reilo quietly left the Energy Source. Amid the tears, excited reverence, and hero-like admiration of [Energy Heart] Tianasi, he slowly descended onto the tower's uppermost floor.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

In ones and twos, more than a dozen scholars flew back from all directions.

Including the scholars fighting the invading monsters on the tower's lower floors and the Sky Knight Order members maintaining a tense watch outside, the fortress secretly built by the duchy had fewer than a hundred people left.

"Reilo!"

"Don't come any closer!"

Kedo reacted quickly and rushed over to support Reilo, who was swaying unsteadily.

Reilo's warning came a little too late.

He sighed.

Looking at Kedo's bewildered expression, Reilo said gravely, "Unless something unexpected happens, you've already been infected by a Superhuman. Still... if you survive this ordeal, you'll make great strides. If you don't, I'll put an end to you myself."

"What!?"

Kedo knew about the academic symposium Reilo had held on Superhumans a little over two months ago. He didn't know what to do.

"Don't be afraid."

Reilo patted Kedo on the shoulder.

"With me here, I believe you're smart enough to defeat it. You're an excellent scholar!"

"Right!"

Kedo was already fired up from their victory. Now, encouraged so personally by a legendary scholar, he was filled with passion and felt as if there was nothing left to fear.

"If any of you are willing to face the same trial, you can join him. I'll inoculate you